Kalma Chowk Underpass

Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif inaugurated the largest Kalma Chowk underpass of the history of the country. Addressing the ceremony held on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that completion of the largest underpass in a record period of 82 days is a great achievement which was possible due to the collective efforts of the entire team working on the project. He congratulated the concerned departments, members assembly, contractors and labourers who worked on the project. The Chief Minister said that the underpass consisting of seven lanes has been completed at a cost of Rs. billion in a record period of 82 days. He gave away cheque for Rs. 25 lakh to the labourers who worked on the project. Shahbaz Sharif said that transparency, quality and speedy completion of development projects, is the hallmark of Punjab government. He said that modern infrastructure is essential for rapid development. The Chief Minister said that Punjab government has spent millions of rupees on the improvement of infrastructure throughout the province and a network of roads, bridges and underpasses has been laid due to which economic and trade activities have increased in the province. Director General LDA while giving briefing about the Kalma Chowk underpass, informed that this project has been completed by working round the clock and one lakh sixty thousand vehicles will pass through this underpass daily. Later, the Chief Minister inaugurated underpass and passed through it. Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Peco Road Ramp constructed alongside Lahore Bridge by unveiling plaque and offered Dua. Members Assembly Naseer Bhutta, Ramzan Siddique Bhatti, DG LDA, DCO Lahore, officials of NLC and a large number of people were present on the occasion. Talking on the occasion, Shahbaz Sharif said that facility has been provided to the residents of Kot Lakhpat and other adjoining localities due to construction of ramp. Dost Muhammad Khosa calls on Shahbaz Sharif, expresses his complete confidence in party leadership: Former Chief Minister Punjab, Dost Muhammad Khosa called on Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif at Raiwind today. Senior Advisor Senator Sirdar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa and Member Provincial Assembly Sirdar Hassamuddin Khosa were also present on the occasion. Dost Muhammad Khosa while expressing his complete confidence in the leadership of President PML-N Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, reiterated that he will continue to work as a party worker and make efforts for further strengthening the party in the area. Talking on the occasion, Shahbaz Sharif said that workers are precious asset of the party and they are like children in the eyes of party heads.

Municpal solid waste

An open dump is defined as abandoned piles of household garbage, bags of yard waste, appliances, old barrels, used tires, and demolition debris such as lumber, shingles, pipes and asbestos can threaten the health of humans, wildlife, and the environment. (Epa. State. IL. Us, 2014) Open dumps pose the following health, safety, and environmental threats: Fire and explosion Inhalation of toxic gases Injury to children playing on or around the dump site Disease carried by mosquitoes, flies, and rodents Contamination of streams, rivers and lakes Contamination of soil and groundwaterContamination of drinking water Damage to plant and wildlife habitats Decrease In the quality of elite to nearby residents and the local community Open dumps create a public nuisance, divert land from more productive uses, and depress the value of surrounding land. (Epa. State. IL. Us, 2014) Early landfills were made in were made in wetlands, which were thought to be wasteland back then. Early landfills leaked into rivers and lakes and built up gases, like methane. Garbage dumps used to catch fire and even explode, because as garbage rots, it gives off methane, a flammable gas. Experimentation. Rag, 2014) Early landfills have significant problems with the Lactate organization because it was an unconstrained contaminant release, the methane organization did not exist, and incomplete decomposition as well as settle was so high because 8% of waste was secondhand. Modern landfills are carefully designed to contain waste and protect the environmental integrity of the surrounding area – including the air, water and soil. Our landfill incorporates advanced design features, including multi-layer liner construction, gas extraction and lactate removal systems. Multidimensional. M. Com, 2014) This is completely different from early landfill because there was no way to contain the waste. Modern landfills include engineered protective liners, lactate group systems, groundwater nursing and much more. Alton Landfill and Resource Recovery Facility in Livermore, CA has implemented a special program to protect the endangered San Joaquin Kit Fox. The protection program Includes many projects to protect the San Joaquin Kit Fox. Exclusion zones are placed around dens. Limited disturbance of areas adjacent to construction and storage areas must be maintained.

Gangs & sub-cultural theories Essay

A gang is a group of individuals that have a common identity and works towards a common goal. The current usage of the term implies a criminal group. Its early usage was to refer to a faction of workmen. In the United Kingdom the term is still used to refer to workmen, but it has undergone semantic change. The term is one that carries a negative meaning; nevertheless, within a group that identifies itself with antagonism to social norms, associates of the gang might decide to use the term as a declaration of identity or rebelliousness. There are a lot of reports of criminal actions committed by gangs throughout the world. There are parts of the world and societies where gang activities are so prevalent causing major problems to different countries. There are cases of documented gangs and gang members in criminology literature. Some of these gangs are well known, not only by the law enforcers, but also by the members of the society. Gang formation is a concept that has been in place since the 13th century. During this time, it is said that children from poor families and the orphans in the United Kingdom obtained their means of survival through becoming members of gangs that were managed by adult crime perpetrators (Allen, 2005). These gangs were basically involved in pick pocketing. Gangs identify themselves by the use of distinct signs, symbols and names. They are known to cause harm, threaten, harass and intimidate other members of the society. Gang violence is a term that is used to refer to criminal activities that are perpetrated by gangs. Throughout history, such activities have been known to be perpetrated by gang members. There is a time in history when all the major cities around the world were haunted by gangs. During this time gang violence became prevalent all over the world. Contemporary gangs have introduced fresh kinds of violence. These acts are in most cases used as rite of passage for those wishing to become part of the group (Allen, 2005). There have been a lot of theories developed to explain the causes of gangs and gang violence. Some of the theories are similar while other others are different in explaining gang formation and crime in the society. These theories are very important in understanding why some people are more prone to crime then others and why some people are more likely to join gangs than others. Two of the most common theories on crime include the strain theory and the sub-cultural theory (Akers, 2000). The main similarity between the two theories is that they both describe gang formation from a social point of view. They are however different in a number of ways, one of them being the fact that their focus is on different elements of the society (Allen, 2005). This paper compares and contrasts strain and sub-cultural theories in explaining gangs and gang violence. The paper first discusses the meaning and background information of the two theories. The Strain theory The strain theory holds that the social structures that are within a society may be contributing factors to some individuals becoming members of a gang and being involved in crime. Strain refers to the elements in the society or in a person that leads to committing of crime. There are two kinds of strain: structural or individual. Structural is the processes within the culture that filter down and control individual’s perceptions of their needs. For example, a state of inadequacy in social structures and regulations can lead to transformation in the way a person perceives his or her needs. Individual perceptions to the means and opportunities can also be transformed (Akers, 2000). This is what causes people perpetrate crime either as individuals or in a gang. From the individual viewpoint, it refers to the pressures and afflictions that a person suffers as he or she searches for ways and means to cater for his or her requirements. This means that the objectives of the society becomes very important to a person such that their achievement becomes more important that the ways of achieving them (Cohen, 1965). People live in a society that is full of requirements and expectations. Where individuals cannot access their needs through the conventional legitimate ways, they tend to use the unconventional ways. Where individuals are in a society where they cannot access their needs normally with the use of the conventional legitimate needs, they tend to become disappointed. This feeling of despair that is associated with the incapability to acquire the requirements is the one that is being referred to as strain. It is this feeling that causes people who are unable to acquire their needs to be involved in crime (Akers, 2000). In many instances, young people will be able to access the unconventional or illegitimate means through becoming members of gangs. This reveals the fact that gangs are as a result of strains that act upon individuals in striving to achieve expectation. In a gang, young people tend to get what they were unable to get in living within the social norms. They find company, finances and most of all the means to acquire what they desire. The theory explains how social elements like poverty, homelessness, and lack of proper parental care can lead to formation of delinquent activities and groups (Cohen, 1965). Sub-cultural theory The sub-cultural theory as used in criminology originated from the efforts of the Chicago School on gangs. This theory was then advanced via the symbolic interactionism school. The theory was advanced into a series of premises that put forward the argument that some factions or sub-cultures in the community have some principles and approaches that are favourable for crime and aggression. This supports the argument that crime is dominant in some cultures or societies than others. This theory focuses on crime committed by young people, mostly in gangs. It is argued that when crime is not controlled from this level, it moves on to adolescent and finally to adulthood (Akers, 2000). Gangs that are formed at the early age in life, tend to graduate to maturity, and continue recruiting the youths. The theory states that if the patterns of crime can be comprehended and controlled from the level of juvenile delinquency, it would be possible to prevent the move to teenage offender and also to adult criminals. It is believed that where the sub-culture is favourable for crime, it begins from an early age, graduating to adolescent and ultimately to adulthood (Miller, 1959). Culture stands for the traditions, ways of life and principles that act as the guide to personality. It is also from these aspects that personality is judged by people. Passage of culture is essentially through social rather than biological ways. This is where the values and principles within a society are transmitted from one generation to the following. A sub-culture is a culture that exists within the larger culture. This culture consist of distinct elements of values, norms and customs that are different from the larger culture but does not essentially stand for a culture considered non-standard by many people. A sub-culture is distinguished from the larger culture for opposition that acts against the larger culture. This offers the explanation why in some parts of a society, especially the poorest regions, there are some kinds of behaviour that have developed into a standard and tend to be passed from one generation to the next. Successful crime perpetrators tend to be role models to the others, revealing likelihood success through criminal activities and its normality. This is where the older members of gangs tend to influence youths into their activities. The cultural arrangement is directed by many principles, traditions, and standards that force people to establish gangs that have unique characters. The sub-cultures that are developed tend to be more diverse than the main stream culture (Miller, 1959). Similarities between the two theories in explaining gangs The two theories take a social perspective in explaining gang formation and gang violence. They both offer the claim that gangs are as a result of the kind of society within which people live. Despite the fact that the two theories describe different ways that the society contributes to gangs, the two argue that society is the main causative element to gang formation and gang violence. In strain theory, people become members of gangs and commit gang violence as a result of residing in a society where their needs are not able to be met. It is as a result of the social class where a person exists that determines the kind of behaviour that he or she exhibits. In the United Kingdom, individuals are always in pursuit of wealth property, power, education, and other things that ensure a comfortable life (Akers, 2000). It is due to their living conditions that the lower class is not in a position to meet these needs adequately. They are not in a position to acquire these needs in conventional legal means. This according to the strain theory is what leads people to join gangs where there opportunities to acquire their needs. Sub-cultural theory explains that it is in a society that is predisposed to crime that people are influenced to join gangs. In a sub-culture where crime is condoned and pardoned, there tends to be many gangs. The young people tend to be influenced by the older members of gangs. In fact, the older members act as role models to the youths. It is therefore evident from the two theories that the society plays the central role in gang formation and consequently to the gang violence. The two theories introduce blocked-goals as the producing factors of deviant characteristics, like gang formation (Shaw, 1930). The strain theory in explaining violence is described similarly to functionalist theory under sub-cultural theories. Functionalist holds that gangs are motivated by financial requirements. This is the same case with the strain theory that holds that financial requirements lead people to commit crime. The functionalist theory states that adolescents are motivated by material gain to be involved in gangs. From this point of view, the sub-cultural theory becomes similar to the strain theory in explaining crime. Here the motivating factor to crime under the two theories is the acquisition of material gain in a society where this is not possible through conventional legitimate needs. Where youths are faced with situations where they are not in a position to fulfil their requirements due to the elements in the society that leads to inadequacy, they tend to join others who share their predicaments. These groups, the gangs, operate in unison, sharing the same identity and motivated by a common goal, which is achievement of their needs. This leads to the fact that the end results of the two theories are similar (Shaw, 1930). The end results of gangs and gang violence as explained by the two theories are similar. The strain theory presents the claim that individuals are influenced by the need to obtain their requirements in an inadequate social environment. This is what leads them to use of illegitimate means. The end result of the act is acquisition of finances or property through illegitimate means. As per the sub-cultural theory, the basic values of a group are what cause a person to be involved in crime. Given situations where the children in the working class cannot to achieve academically as a result of social or cultural factors, they tend to feel that it is impossible to obtain anything through conventional means (Akers, 2000). Such children gather themselves in groups or gangs of people that share their predicaments. They involve themselves in crime and gang violence means to acquire wealth and property. The end result of the action is acquisition of finances or property through illegitimate means. This reveals the fact that the result of gangs as explained by the two theories is acquisition of finances and property. The two theories reveal means to the same end (Akers, 2000). The society has put a lot of pressure on people to attain high achievement and success. Competition and the need for success is one value that is glorified in the society. This means that as per the two theories there are forces and pressures that lead to gang formation and involvement. These are the forces and pressures that lead people to strive to achieve and become powerful, without caring about the means for doing so. The legitimate means may be difficult to acquire, making the illegitimate means more preferable. According to the sub-cultural theory, the forces are the structural constraints. The individuals who join gangs are people who feel completely powerless. They are pushed by the society and end up defying the rules and regulations. The forces as per the sub-cultural theory push people to act as per the society’s expectations (Akers, 2000). According to the strain theory, the forces that act on individuals are the strains. Individuals tend to be involved in gang activities where they are not in a position to cope with the strains. There are series of events and circumstances that hamper individuals from attaining their expectations. This could be major or minor state of affairs and circumstances that upsurge and discourage with time. Dissatisfaction causes displeasure, abhorrence and annoyance. All these are attitudes connected with strain in gang formation. It is a normal human nature to develop feeling of desperation and frustration where they are not in a position to get what they want (Shaw, 1930). Differences between the two theories in explaining gangs Despite the fact that the two theories agree on the fact that the social environment is responsible for causing gang formation, the ways in which the society is responsible tend to differ. The strain theory emphasises on strain and stressing forces of gang formation. The sub-cultural theory on the other hand emphasises on factions as the causing factors of gang formation. The strain theory states that individuals will be forced to join gangs where they are not in a position to gather financial success through legitimate ways. The sub-cultural theory claims that people are pushed into gangs where they belong to sub-cultures that excuse, justify or approve of gangs. Societies that excuses and tolerates acts of violence and stealing, tend to produce more gangs than others (Miller, 1959). The two theories differ in their explanation of the primary cause of gang formation. While the strain theory presents the argument that gang formation is motivated by financial success, the sub-cultural theory argues that gangs are not motivated by money success as the strain theory suggests, but by the pressure of all the dominant values in the society. The adolescent tend to develop what Merton refers to â€Å"social status frustration,† where they are not able to achieve academically. This is what convinces them that they are not capable of gaining anything through conventional means. In this case, their motivating factor is not primarily financial success. They end up in gangs through this conviction, although the ultimate goal is financial success. The difference in the two theories comes up in the motivating factors to gang formation and involvement. As per the strain theory the key motivation is money success, while for the sub-cultural theory the key motivation factor is the failure to succeed through legitimate means in a society that is prone to crime (Shaw, 1930). There is a difference in the nature of the environment as explained by the two theories. However, this does not nullify the fact that the social environment is what basically explains crime and gangs. In the sub-cultural theory, the social environment is one where there is prevalence of crime that is passed from one generation to the following. This means that the theory explains a society where crime is almost a norm. This kind of social environment is not revealed in the strain theory. According to the sub-cultural theory, in most cases, the society has already established illegitimate opportunity structure. The younger members of gangs learn criminal actions from the older members. This is what it basically referred to as learning the ‘tricks of the trade’ (Akers, 2000). The sub-culture makes it clear to the youths that crime is a norm. As per the strain theory, the social environment is one where are goals that need to be achieved. Individuals in this kind of environment are aware of the objectives and how it is crucial to achieve them. There are however some individuals in this environment who lacks the means to attain the social expectations. For the serious need to realize these expectations and the importance of achieving them, some people result to gang involvement. From this perspective, gangs are formed by the society through creation of expectations without availing the means to achieve them (Shaw, 1930). The social environments in which gangs are formed are different for the two theories. While sub-cultural revealed the argument that gangs can be formed in a negative social environment that is already prone to crime, the strain theory presents the crime that gangs can either be formed in a positive or negative social environment. The argument according to the strain theory is that individual’s real expectations or the expected failure to attain positive values set up by the society, real or elimination of positive incentive, and real or expected presentation of negatively valued incentive all cause strain. In a positive social environment, individuals turn to gangs where they are not in a position to live up to the standards set up by the society. Where individuals are not treated in the way they expect, they loose trust with the ability of others to help them meet their expectations. Frustration and dissatisfaction establish negative interactions. This is so because of the desire to keep off hostile rejections. This is what leads to people finding those of their kind; people who are in a position to help them create a sense of belonging and acceptance. This kind of environment is achieved through membership to gangs. Gangs are basically constituted by people who feel that the society is not supportive. The sub-cultural theory operates from the conflicting side. This kind of society is one that does not expect anything positive from its people. The reason for this is that the society is already predisposed to crime. This reveals that unlike the strain theory, this theory operates solely from a negative environment (Miller, 1959). There is another contradiction under the two theories, where in the sub-cultural theory gangs are a way of living up to the social expectations of roughness and smartness, while under the other theory gangs are established due to the inability to live up to social expectations. It is expected under the sub-cultural theory for individuals in the lower class to be involved in gang violence. This is indirectly by the need from the society to be tough and street-wise. This is what motivates then to join groups, begin getting involved in criminal activities, and find fun in defying the regulations of the land. From the strain theory perspective, failure to live up to the expectations of the society is what forces individuals into gangs and gang violence. Every society has set up expectations that its members are supposed to live up to. Where people lack the means to achieve these expectations they tend to become members of groups that help them in attaining them. Failure to reach the expectations may also make some to defy against the law as a way of revealing or dealing with their frustration (Shaw, 1930). Strengths and weaknesses of the theories The two theories are good resources in explaining gangs, but this can be best illustrated through the sub-cultural theory. Thrasher (1927) defines gang through the process that they undertake in formation of groups. â€Å"The gang is an interstitial group originally formed spontaneously, and then integrated through conflict. It is characterized by the following types of behavior: meeting face to face, milling, movement through space as a unit, conflict, and planning. The result of this collective behavior is the development of tradition, unreflective internal structure, esprit de corps, solidarity, morale, group awareness, and attachment to a local territory† (Thrasher, 1927, p. 46). The theory explains the fact that gangs originate from a very early age, through formation of play groups. The groups begin getting involved in simple mischief. They culminate into gangs when they begin to excite themselves with disproval and misbehavior. This is where they begin developing a clear-cut group-consciousness. The social environment encourages gang crimes because of the fact that it is already predisposed to crime. Thrasher gives a description of the way the society can be favorable to delinquent behavior. He claims that gang sub-cultures came up from cracks or interstices of neglect in the teenage years. The argument of Thrasher is supported by Shaw (1930), through the claim that gang acts are passed by older boys to the younger ones. Such gangs are found in areas with high rate of single-parent homes, joblessness and low education. These are the areas of ghettos, and slums. The theories explain the reasons why gangs tend to be more in the lower class than in the middle class. The theory that is preferable here is the sub-cultural theory. This is apparent in the arguments of Miller (1959), who supports the arguments of Cohen. Miller supports the fact that delinquency is a sub-culture, but one that is found within the lower class. There is a clear-cut division between the lower and the middle class. The two classes stand for different traditions and principles. The middle class tend focus on accomplishment and social goals. The other class focuses on the need of their children to stay out is trouble. This class expects their children to be rough and street-wise. This becomes the motivation behind establishing and joining gang groups. Considering the fact that their lives tend to be boring for lack of exciting social activities, they tend to embrace crime as an exciting social activity. This is what makes them start to engage in unlawful activities. They get a sense of freedom by going against the social system that is established by the society. For the lower class, there is another practice that plays a major responsibility in their social life. This institution is same-sex peer groups. To them, this institution is more significant than any other in the society. This is because of the social belonging that it renders. It is from these groups that they are in a position to gain status, one thing they cannot access in the conventional society. They develop a unique identity and work towards a particular goal (Miller, 1959). Despite the fact that the two theories are significant in explaining the reasons behind the formation of gangs, they do not reveal the origins of the motivating factors and forces, which would be helpful in defining possible solutions. This is a weakness revealed by the two theories. This reveals the fact that the explanation of the two theories is incomplete. Up to the point where the strain theory is explained by Akers (2000), there are only kinds of the strains that are discussed and nothing is discussed about their sources. The frictions of situations are only revealed as hindering the attainment or expectations. There is no discussion about where they come from. Even in the sub-cultural theory, there is no much discussion on the structural constraints that are shown to be the forces behind delinquency. The theories fail in finding out the solutions to the problem. The theories can only be used in describing the source of the problem and not the effects and solution to the problem (Akers, 2000). Conclusion This paper compares and contrasts strain and sub-cultural theories explain gangs and gang violence. These two are very crucial in criminology for offering an insight as to the causes of crime in the society. The two have some common as well as different aspects in explaining gang formation and gang-related crimes. The two explain the causes of crime from social perspective and reveal similar end results, which is crime for attainment of wealth and property. The theories reveal strong forces that lead people to committing crime. The two forces are structural constraints for the sub-cultural theory and strains for the strain theory. These are some of the similarities but there are a number of differences between the two. The focus of the two is on varying elements of the social environment. The two also give varying accounts of the reasons why the society leads to crime. The theories are a crucial way of explaining gangs are formed in the society. This is achieved by describing their causes. There is need for further studies to come up with solutions to this problem. (Word count=4,065) References: Shaw, C. (1930). The Jackroller: A Delinquent Boy’s Own Story. Reprint edition: 1966. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press. Miller, W. (1959). â€Å"Implications of Urban Lower-Class Culture for Social Work. † The Social Service Review. Vol. 33, 219-236. Cohen, A. (1965). â€Å"The Sociology of the Deviant Act: Anomie Theory and Beyond,† American Sociological Review 30: 5-14. Akers, R. (2000). Criminological Theories: Introduction, Evaluation, and Application. Los Angeles: Roxbury. Allen, M. (2005). Textbook on Criminal Law. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Thrasher, F. M. (1927). The Gang. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Literature synopsis project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Literature synopsis project - Essay Example The book is for those people struggling with nicotine addiction. The author used inspiring stories and messages from real women who have struggled with nicotine addiction. These includes intrauterine growth retardation and adverse health effects, during pregnancy (Allen, 2002). Moreover, it affects the foetal growth and childbirth weight leading to abnormal bleeding as well as premature birth. The author argues the factors leading to nicotine addiction are unemployment, low level of education, increased stress and poverty. This is very effective because it eliminate psychological factors that result to cigarette addiction. There are several cases that women smokers continue smoking during pregnancy. Maternal smoking pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes, for example, 150-200g decrement in in childbirth weight and high neonatal mortality rate. In addition, infants have a higher risk of infant death syndrome, language problem, behavioral problem and antisocial problems. In other words, maternal smoking pregnancy reduces the development of central nervous system in such a way that it may predispose the infant to various neurobehavioral problems. Nomura, Gilman and Buka (2011) found that the children of women who smoked more than twenty cigarettes in a day were at a greater risk of alcohol disorder and neurobehavioral problems. Thus, there should be intervention on mother to reduce smoking during pregnancy. Yoko Nomura, Stephen Gilman and Stephen Buka (2013). Maternal Smoking During Pregnancy and Risk of Alcohol Use Disorders Among Adult Offspring, Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 72(2): 199–209 Cigarette smoking is harmful to both mother and unborn child because its carcinogenic effect on various organs. Smoking during pregnancy accelerates the risk associated with intrauterine growth retardation and adverse health effects (Chung et al., 2001). In addition, it affects the foetal

Zara Brand Equity and Brand Positioning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Zara Brand Equity and Brand Positioning - Essay Example As the discussion stresses  from Zara we can identify the broad strategies applied to strengthen the brand being as follows: the marketing mix, its people, short lead times and scarce supply. However, that is not to say that the Zara brand’s success lay solely on the mentioned factors. The organization as a whole has been able to clearly-define its brand values and allowed them to permeate throughout the entire organization. Zara has a distinct ownership for management of the brand right from the top management level. This has meant that critical activities such as sales, operations, customer service, product development and others are made use of in supporting the whole organization’s strategic management process.From this paper it is clear that the marketing mix is represented by product, price, place and promotion. With regards to product, the Zara strategy has been to anticipate the latest fashion in apparel and to produce them before other competitors. Secondly, the garments are manufactured to be non-durable so as to prompt the consumer not to store them in their wardrobes but to wear them and to visit Zara shops frequently for replenishment. Thirdly, the company ensures that its stores have a wide variety of products because each store receives new products at least twice per week. Clothes that have low demand are quickly spotted, removed and replaced by new trendier designs such that customers are always spoilt for choice.

The rule in Salomon v Salomon & Co [1897] AC 22 has been described as Essay - 2

The rule in Salomon v Salomon & Co [1897] AC 22 has been described as one of the corner stones of English Company Law - Essay Example This article will examine the rationale of the decision and its impacts towards the development of company law. The status of limited liability went to specific companies before 1825 through the provisions of express available in the Royal Charter regarding Incorporation. Section 2 of the Bubble Act of 1825 governed the first efforts in officially, introducing the concept of limited liability to the English laws. The section provided that the shareholders of a particular corporation would personally be liable in their own persons as well as their property to that extent as well as subject to the regulations and limitations as his magnificence. Although there was no opposition from the Crown to the idea of legal personality, public pressure turned in opposing any extension of legal personality that later became troubled with the stance of creditors. This provoked public suspicions because of the expectation that the Bubble Act would lead to an increase in the number of licensed companies with limited liability. This therefore was the reason for the withholding of the doctrine of limited liabil ity from Company Act in 1844 (Ferran 1999). However, public opinion moved in the reverse direction in favour of the principle of limited liability. In the 1850s, the doctrine acquired recognition in the law. In the year 1852, the Court of Exchequer chamber in the case of Hallet versus Dowdall accredited the legality of the clause of limited liability of 1952. This in turn prompted the parliament to pass the Limited Liability Act in 1855 as well as more contemporary act of Joint Stock Companies of 1856. Consequently, this led to the enactment of the Companies Act in 1862, which formed the foundation for the delivery of the rule in Salomon. The intention of the House of Lords in the Salomon rule was to send a clear message to the members of the public

Synthesize the Peer Review Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Synthesize the Peer Review - Research Paper Example To cater these mental issues many psychological clinics are found, in which special psychiatrists are there to help people come out of the mental issues using some special therapies and their own intelligence. However it is recommended by the author Lightner Witmer in his article that these psychiatrists should be given special trainings on psychology before dealing with the people who are going through a tough time especially in education. The psychological clinics were particularly built for the children who were suffering from mental problems which became hindrances in their educational careers but then they also proved to be prolific for the adults confronting the same situation. Moreover clinical psychology can also be pursued as a career, as teaching, research conducting and managing community programs. One of the processes used by psychiatrists to treat the patients of mental illness is might introspection. Introspection is a way through which a person can learn about his own ongoing mental activities, thoughts, beliefs and judgements. It helps people to find out the problem existing in their mind and then strive for the solution.

Applied Managerial Marketing- Phase 1 DB Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Applied Managerial Marketing- Phase 1 DB - Essay Example lly-relevant campaigns such as "Give Your Two Cents Worth" concept as part of its Childrens Safe Drinking Water campaign and the newly-introduced Pampers ® Tetanus Vaccination Campaign in cooperation with UNICEF. The press release talks about P&G to increase funding and scope for its Live, Learn and Thriveâ„ ¢ partnership with the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI). When viewed from a larger perspective, the press release is one of the tools in P&G’s integrated marketing communications mix, under Public Relations. The communications strategy used in this case is ‘affective strategy’—mentioned by Pickton and Broderick as adopted from the creative strategies identified by Patti and Frazer, (2002, p. 424) that â€Å"invokes involvement and emotion†¦ [And] Not usually associated with ‘selling’ emphasis†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The press release entitled â€Å"New Water Purification Product from Reliance Products and Procter & Gamble now Available in Retail Stores† dated last February 14 is about a new product introduction by Reliance Products, L.P. and P&G--PUR Purifier of Water technology, a powdered water clarifier and disinfectant designed for outdoor recreation and emergency preparedness use. The press release serves to introduce the product to the public by educating the masses about its benefits—it provides clean drinking water at a very low cost per liter, and can be purchased in complete water treatment kits, or as additional replacement treatment packs. The press release has been used, in integration with the other marketing communications elements such as sales promotions. In contrast to the previous press release mentioned, this one uses an ‘informational strategy’ as identified by Pickton and Broderick (2002, p. 426), which primary aim is to educate and give details to convey pieces of information. While a press release is just one of the tools which aim is to work in harmony with the other elements of the integrated communications mix of a company, P&G has been

Health Care Finance in the United States Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Health Care Finance in the United States - Essay Example Some of the services offered are respite care, rehabilitation, and environmental modifications. For these services, Out of Pocket Payments are usually the largest sources of healthcare financing, paid directly by patients and are no reimbursable by an insurer or related third parties A new Gallup Daily evaluation reinforces the great level of inconsistency in health insurance coverage among U.S population segments. In general, health insurance coverage is lowest in U.S’ mid-twenties, a situation that is strongly associated with income, at a range from a low of 44% across 35-year olds earning below $25,000 per year to 100% amongst seniors above 60 earning the same amount per year. Of the total population interviewed by Gallup last year, an estimated 17% of the entire American population did not have a health insurance cover. As a reality with many features of American life today, the absence of health insurance is not randomly or equally distributed. There is a distinct income and age pattern when it comes to the population with health insurance. Among 18-year olds, 84% are insured. However, this relatively high coverage are presumably mirrors the fact that most of the youthful Americans are still covered by their parents’ insurance policies, though this changes immediately as they begin their twenties. Health insurance coverage comes to the lowest level of the total age range (66%) at the age of 22. Starting from this age, the percentage of the population insured begins to increase, albeit gradually, hitting the 95% level at the age of 65 when Medicare cover is formally available. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is inclusive of considerable new requirements designed to increase the rates of health insurance coverage. It includes the compulsory expansion of Medicaid programs to cover persons in households with incomes less than 133% of the federal poverty level, a necessity

How does military-based Virtual Reality treatment for PTSD differ from Essay

How does military-based Virtual Reality treatment for PTSD differ from commercial treatment for accidents - Essay Example ly heal from after they return home, but for some it is a difficult situation for them to understand and they may begin to have challenges within the first month. PTSD can be difficult to determine according to many experts because the emotional anxiety may not be much different from what a person would experience on a day to day basis. The normal distress of having more bills than money to pay them can result in some forms of anxiety. When it becomes more serious an individual may be going thorough flashbacks when a sound or smell triggers their anxious behaviour. In order to understand PTSD most people will have to go through a very detailed evaluation by a medical professional in order to discover whether they have the disorder or whether their anxiety is "normal". In PTSD trauma is present when there was a death or near death experience and there will be certain symptoms that go with it that include: 1. Re-experiencing can happen when the individual replays part of the trauma or experience with very strong emotional reactions. Their thoughts may be reliving the past action. This re-experiencing can happen during a nightmare or during the day. There are many ways to diagnose PTSD and this is always done by a healthcare professional, preferably a psychiatrist, psychologist or a clinical social worker. These mental health professionals must be trained in the diagnosis of psychological problems (National Centre for PTSD, Fact Sheet 2). Some of the assessments that are used include the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) and The Structural Clinical Interview for PTSD. These are common tools that make evaluations more secure when talking with people who come back from traumatic events. There are a variety of traditional treatments for PTSD that both the military and commercial hospitals use to assist patients with this disorder. Experts agree that one of the ways to treat it is through psychotherapy. The therapy of choice is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

Public Policy and Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Public Policy and Law - Essay Example The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has discovered several major weaknesses in the anti-harassment policies and processes in many agencies. This essay discusses the definition of sexual harassment, as well as the relevant laws, case laws, and the current figures and scenarios. Introduction Cases of sexual harassment in the workplace is well documented and widely known. Catharine MacKinnon led the campaign for sexual harassment to be acknowledged as a rightful issue under the 1964 Civil Rights Act’s sex discrimination requirements (Mink 64). Before sexual harassment was acknowledged by the U.S. Supreme Court as a valid type of sex discrimination forbidden by federal law in its resolution in Meritor Savings Bank v Vinson in 1986, numerous lower courts had wrestled with the difficult problems posed by sexual harassment (Mink 64). Numerous lower courts had declined to acknowledge sexual harassment as a valid ‘cause of action’, claiming that courts shoul d not investigate or examine explanations of human conduct in the workplace. Human conduct or behavior, according to these courts, embodied a ‘slippery slope’ that would require a much larger number of federal judges, or that it would dramatically increase the number of court cases (Achampong ix). The invalidation of these decisions was an acknowledgment of the reality that sexual harassment is a criminal conduct that brings about a valid cause of action. Definitions, Relevant Laws, and Case Laws The 1990s have witnessed a sharpened awareness in society about sexual harassment, and a persistent, very important move toward total prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace (Bakirci 17). However, there is no direct and simple definition for sexual harassment. However, any definition in any policy should be clear and straightforward without leaving out the key legal principles (Orlov & Roumell 61): Sexual harassment is against the law. Any conduct of a sexual nature wi th or between coworkers or other managers could be considered sexual harassment. Anyone who breaks the law will be punished. All policies pertaining to sexual harassment must explicitly define that sexual harassment is a type of sexual discrimination prohibited by Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act or federal employment discrimination laws and nearly all other anti-discrimination laws. The policies of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) policies sexual harassment must be used. Most companies integrate them into their guidelines because they provide a quite precise and definite legal description of sexual harassment. The EEOC defines sexual harassment in this way (Achampong 201): Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment when (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment, (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individuals, or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. Nevertheless, any definition of sexual harassment must not end with the EEOC policies. They are simply the basis for a definite and brief definition. The various forms of sexual harassm

Managing Information Technology Essay Example for Free

Managing Information Technology Essay Question #1: What would be your prioritized list of IT investments? Four IT investments need to be prioritized; 1. 2. 3. 4. Ecommerce Web sales Aligning the various systems (legacy, SAP, ERP) together. Hire relationship managers Make IT a â€Å"partner† 1. After only 3 years, KL’s Web sales have reached $156M, equalizing its in store sales, and now represent 15% of total sales. This is very encouraging and exciting. KL needs to continue to invest in Ecommerce Web sales in order to continue this great growth. Selling via the Internet should be a priority because it’s cheaper than your ordinary brick and mortar sales points, there is less overhead expense, and this market is growing exponentially. The company should work towards gaining the most market share possible developing an industry leading website, timely and dependable delivery, and customer service. Accomplishing the above means getting all the company sharing information and data more efficiently (see point #2). 2. KL has a complex IT infrastructure with various systems in use around the world. The result is a frustrated bunch of employees upset with the fact that communication data sharing is awful. To remedy this the company needs to invest more in training to get the whole company, including the USA, to use SAP as soon as possible. 3. Assign/hire relationship managers to improve information sharing, facilitate plans, priorities, communications, and relationships, and in turn get the whole system to work together. 4. To avoid such problems in the future, KL needs to make IT a â€Å"partner† in the decision making process. In other words, the company needs to better involve IT in company strategy and tactical planning. With the IT team, the company needs to develop and define an Enterprise Operating Model and Architecture that include business strategy, current IT assessment, IT strategy and IT plans. Question #2: Would your colleagues on the executive committee agree with your selection and prioritization? The above priorities should be well received because they solve or improve many of the frustrating employees around the company. This answer will look at each division (upper management, sales marketing, order fulfillment and distribution, and ITS) and see why the four IT priorities should be well received by the executive committee. The KL upper management is on record stating that the company has IT challenges â€Å"†¦around coordinating the various, and at times conflicting, business priorities across the enterprise. We sure could use better IT tools for this as well as ready access to timely performance data.†, CEO Joseph Campbell. In addition, COO Jens McCreary stated that the company needs to improve global supply-chain management and leverage the expertise to outpace out competitors and cut our operating costs†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Considering these quotes it’s safe to assume that the CEO and COO should be accepting of these four IT priorities because will want to see IT provide better services in order to reach their goals. The products, manufacturing and distribution divisions of the company want to see SAP standardized and compatible across the company in order to better share information. Priorities #2 and 3 should please this division. Sales marketing hope to see inter-operating unit and communications and coordination issues to be resolved and they need real-time data. Priorities #1, 2 and 3 should encourage the sales and marketing team. The order fulfillment and distribution divisions need capabilities to forecast sales and manage our product and cash flows need to be more competitive. They want to be able to deliver in a J.I.T. basis (optimize effectiveness) and have data integration between the legacy systems, SAP, Oracle, etc. These issues should improve with priorities #2 and 3 and this making these priorities acceptable to this division. Finally, the information technology services (ITS) claim that not spending enough on IT (more spent on production and sales), and Web and ecommerce should be priority. Priorities 1 to 4 all favor the ITS team, and therefore should be well received.

Role of the State in Economic Development

Role of the State in Economic Development In this chapter will seek to throw light on some keys issues from many scholars in the context of theory it related to this research. It is useful for situating the study for charting out what kind of theoretical implication the finding of this study are likely to offer. Therefore in this chapter we discuss the role of state in economic development and the competitiveness in the term of competitiveness in the world market by using revealed comparative advantage and lastly are short brief about the electronics industry. 2.1. The Role of the State in Economic Development The role of state in economic development is enormous not only as regulator but also in law enforcement, the provision of education, adequate infrastructure until on health. The achievement of all the governments role in economic development is depends on the readiness and the government itself. In East Asia has been stated that in the role of state has played in economic development in the region. This can be seen from the many studies about the success of the role of state in East Asia by many authors such as World Bank, 1993, Johnson, 1982, Wade and White, 1984, Amsden, 1989 and Castell, 1992. In this session we will discuss about the perception of the role of state development in East Asia, with emphasis on the relationship between public policy and economics. There are 3 models of the state which we will discuss is the market led model, the state led business model and toward the state interdependence. The Market Led-Model Major institutional anchor market and East Asian development model is a symbol and development strategies, as already stated in the 1980s.by World Bank. In a world development report 1987, the World Bank has been consistently to provide some insight straight from the neo classic from Alfred Marshalls point of view that emphasizes the positive effects of unlimited market in the optimal allocation of resources in order to support free trade and free market development model . In the policy, the World Bank gave some suggestions that the development of the country to adopt a more market development programs such as making links with international bodies like the International Monetary Fund. The story of East Asian development emphasizes the importance of market forces that have been written by Little, 1981, Balassa 1982 and Balassa et.al, 1988. In view of the market-leading model, the role of the state has a limited function as a catalyst and corrector of market failure. According to Little (1981) said that export success in East Asia NIEs stresses because the positive effects of free trade conditions. In this era, the East Asian NIEs have been the transition to industrial capitalism, such as Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong. In this case, the stability of government is essential to provide stable conditions for long-term business conditions and also the regulatory framework and infrastructure capacity too. Balassa remarks in his study of the lessons of East Asian development: The principal Contribution of government in the Far Eastern NIEs has been to create a modem infrastructureà ¯Ã‚ ½Ã‚ ¥ to provide a stable incentive system, and to ensure that government bureaucracy will help rather than hinder exportsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦More generally less use has been made of government regulation and bureaucratic controls in East Asia than elsewhere in the developing world. Finallyà ¯Ã‚ ½Ã‚ ¥there have been fewer policy-imposed distortions in labor and capital markets, and greater reliance has been placed on private enterprise. (Balassa, 1988; .286-8) Its opposite with Paul W. Kuznets views. Kuznets took a different view of the Balassa by comparing the diametric in Japan, Taiwan and South Korea and end with a diametrically different view of the state of the Balassa. Kuznets states, in three countries, Government intervention, although limited by the need to keep exports competitive, had penetrated (Kuznets, 1988; 36). Latin America vs East Asia: the secret of export-led growth According to Balassa, (1988; 271-288) stated that the East Asian NIEs (including Hong Kong) have adopted the first phase of import-replacing industrialization (the primary local market and import of consumer products are replaced by labor-intensive local production) and is opposite with Latin America NIEs by adopting the second phase of import-substituting industrialization (local production as a producer of goods, capital-intensive import substitute). Balassa (1988) said that export growth in East Asia NIEs which they recorded the highest GDP growth rates among developing countries. Factors influencing this are: Export carried out in accordance with comparative advantage by contributing to the allocation of resources. This condition is an advantage of the new, improved efficiency based on the excellence of each industry and the country concerned. (Balassa, 1988; 280-1) East Asia NIEs exports provide to overcome the limited domestic market with to maximalist use of resources and reap the benefits of large-scale production. Import substitution and protection are often monopolies; export-oriented industrialization is more towards the competition with a change toward more modern technology in order to improve their position in world markets. According to Balassa (1988; 268-8) that four determinants of economic performance of East Asian NIEs are beneficial are: Stability of an incentive system. History of East Asian countries shows that the system is to encourage exports by setting up incentives, eliminating administrative barriers and create a favorable environment for exporters with a relatively stable condition. These conditions contrast with Latin America NIEs. Where East Asia NIES countries are more inclined to avoid any increases or fluctuations in exchange rates, and exporters can usually expect that the incentives they receive will be maintained in the period, while countries in Latin American NIEs with fluctuating exchange rates and wage increases in exports, so it is reduce the profitability of exporters. Limited government intervention. Countries in East Asia have implemented the administrative system is far more limited than in Latin America. This condition is meant by East Asian nations to create a positive environment for economic growth with free markets working. Well function labor and capital markets. The existence of the policy of East Asian countries has instituted in distortion imposed on labor and capital markets. Where labor markets are generally free in East Asia Niles is different with the regulation in Latin America NIEs. These conditions not only on the labor market but also more free capital markets in East Asia NIEs than in Latin America NIEs. Another factor is the interest rate in line with market prices to provide incentives for domestic savings and to prevent capital outflow, while in Latin America NIEs, artificially low interest rates affect currency values is considered too high to encourage overseas capital. Dependence on private capital. Comparing the existence of dependence of the private sector in East Asia NIEs is greater than in Latin America NIEs. In East Asia NIEs private companies to take an important role in making the necessary investments, and through the relationship of international competition to makes efficient and profitable. While in Latin America NIEs, the public companies tend to play a more important role than in the East Asian NIEs. The State-led models State led model is very opposite perspective with the neo classical. The story of the revised outlook from East Asia to the view of the market led to a state model of development led to the concept of state has been expressed by Johnson, 1987, Castell, 1992, as well as success in industrialization on late development in the context of state as the biggest agent in the transformation has been expressed by Gerscenkron, 1962. According to Wade and White observe that: If we turn to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, among the most dramatic and equitable Cases in the history of Capitalist development, industrialization has in each case been accompanied by aggressive government intervention. The authorities have acted to guide markets and moderate the competitive process in a way that neo classical economics says public officials cannot get right. (Wade and White, 1984; 1) Other scholars such as Deyo said about proposed capacity model strategic, emphasizing the new industrialism East Asia: [the] states commitment to economic expansion and, more important, its capacity to implement well-chosen development strategies differentiates these NIEs from other developing Countries better endowed in natural resources, scale of domestic markets, and other economic assets. (Deyo, 1987; 228) According to the static view, Stephen W.K. Chiu and Tai-Lok Lui (1998; 144) said that state intervention is required for successful late industrialization. This is consistent with Gerschenkron perspective which said that the importance of strong state to overcome the lack of defects, and lack of smooth industrial markets. (Gerschenkron, 1962; Rueschemeyer and Evans, 1985). By following Gerschenkron, Amsden (1989) stated that the industrialization of East Asia is characterized by Late instead of Newly of his (such as the economy in new industries). As a newcomer to East Asian companies must be able to compete with Western companies in terms of technology. In other words, Wade, 1992 said that the magnitude of problems faced by latecomers from the developmental state is to offset the weakness that is often faced by companies in East Asia into International Competition and the transfer of its industrial structure to a more dynamic activity technology. The capitalist developmental state Speaking about development capitalism state directs us to the opinion of Johnson (1987) state that capitalism development does not attempt to replace the market mechanism and private decision, but neither does it abdicate to private profit-seeking Behaviors in the development process. Johnson argued about capitalist development is the logic of the system comes from the interaction of two sub-systems, one public and directed to other development objectives and the private sector and aimed at maximizing profits (Johnson, 1987; 141-2) State of development, according to Johnson, 1987 concept have the following features: Elite Development produced and come to the fore because of a desire to exit the stagnation of dependence and backwardness, that really understand that they need to successfully market to maintain efficiency, motivate the people in the long term, and serves as a check on institutionalized corruption as they struggle against underdevelopment (Johnson, 1987; 140). Because not a socialist country, state development firm committed to private property and markets. The market system is very closely with the government to formulate a strategic industrial policy to promote development. While the development of elite state economic intervention not only on the market. In the state bureaucracy, the pilot agencies (such as MITI in Japan) plays an important role in the formulation and implementation of strategic policy. The agency is given sufficient scope to take initiative and operate effectively, and manage the best people. Johnson showed that a good recruitment in the civil bureaucracy will give good results but also produces a sense of unity and common identity on the part of the elite bureaucracy. Another story about how the state promotes late industrialization has been expressed by Amsden (1989) in which the Korean emphasis on subsidy policy for the revolution industry and disciplined in protecting the new industry grow. Subsidies have given because Korean Integration cannot fight with Japanese companies. Subsidies are given to entrepreneurs to build industry. Korea in the future so that eventually became the major industrialized countries. The discipline Policy, firmly Korean government made a rule that companies that have good performance was the company will be able to award a management and bad performance will get a penalty. This suggests that state intervention is in need when Korea in the industry lags It is required in state bureaucracy that has been selected to get a bureaucracy meritocracy have capable and competent in running the government both in terms of policy and regulation. According to Stephen W.K. Chiu and Tai-Lok Lui (1998; 147) bureaucratic autonomy was also guarded by the politicization of the major economic decisions, or what Johnson calls the separation between reigning and ruling: Otherwise, Johnson said that the politicians set broad goals, protect the technocratic bureaucracy from political pressures perform safety valve functions when the bureaucracy makes mistakes, and take the heat when corruption scandals are uncoveredà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦the official bureaucracy does the actual planning, interveningà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ² and guiding of the economy. (Johnson, 1987; 152). All this is a portrait of the importance of the relationship between state development, conglomerates private sector, banks and other institution in economic development. So the bureaucracy and public-private sector can work together in bringing a strong autonomous states that are not only able to formulate strategic development objectives, but also able to translate national goals into broad effective policy measures to promote late industrialization in East Asia. Towards state-business interdependence? According to Stephen W.K. Chiu and Tai-Lok Lui (1998, 149) states in-state theory emphasizes state autonomy in making decisions and carrying capacity to dominate the market. In East Asia, the theory Gilbert and Howe said: We argue that state-cent red theorists disregard the interrelationà ¯Ã‚ ½Ã‚ ¥on of state and society; in viewing the state as an independent entity, they fail to see how it is related to the wider society. Further, they oversimplify societal forces and ignore class conflict within and beyond the state. State and society are interdependent, and must be analyzed as such. (Gilbert and Howe, 1991; 205) Author such as Weiss argued the governed interdependence theory, premised on the proposition that The ability of East Asian firms and industry more generally to adapt quickly to economic change is based on a system that socializes risk and thereby coordinates change across a broad array of organizations both public and private. (Weiss,1995; 594). On the other hand, Weiss argues not only about autonomy is emphasized in state-led model but also the attributes of institutional capacity for coordination with the appropriate type of relationship industrialized countries. Weiss said that in Korea, Taiwan and Japan, the complex matrix of institutions have been established between state institutions and the private sector such as policy networks provides an important mechanism to obtain information and to coordinate cooperation with the private sector with examples of MITI in Japan (Weiss, 1995; 600). This differs with the opinion Samuels in his study of Japans energy policy (Samuel, 1987; 8) says that it is an iterative process of confidence among market participants and public officials, which works better where the patties are stable and negotiations where institutions compacts that ensure their survival. Samuels suggests that Japanese nationals wishing to pursue an energy policy that aims to maintain a stable private market rather than be used to compete or replace private entrepreneurship. Another example, Okimoto debate about the close relationship of government business: It has served as the main instrument for consensus building, the vehicle for information exchange and public-private communication. Close government business relations would be hard to imagine in its absence. Indeed the whole system of Consensus, on which Japans political economy relies, would be hard to maintain without industrial policy as an integrative mechanism. (Okimoto, 1989; 231) Also like Okimoto, Calder said about the financial industry in Japan and the formulation of the strategic capitalism also emphasizes the public-private hybrid system, pushed ahead in the calculation of market-oriented private sector, but with the active involvement of the public sector to encourage public spiritedness and long-term vision (Calder, 1993; 16). Finally, Evans also highlighted the fact that states the successful development can not only be autonomous, they are also embedded in a concrete set of social ties that bind the state to society and provide institutionalized channels for continual negotiation and re-negotiation objectives and policies (Evans , 1995; 12). Competitiveness Competitiveness is the ability to compete in international term between industries not between countries (Krugman, 1996). In winning the competitiveness, the company has its own strategy, such as lower costs, improve product quality and looking for network marketing. However, sometimes the company still needs government support for companies already in several contexts proved to be an important component of the process of achieving competitiveness. The essence of competitiveness strategy are: to improve in-company learning, skills development and technology efforts, to increase the supply of information, skills and technology from around the markets and institutions, and to coordinate collective learning processes that involve different companies in the same industry or in related industries (popularly known as clusters such as, geographic or activity-wise, see Porter, 1990). To win the competitiveness of companies occasionally develop their skills in the market is different for example relating to physical infrastructure, human, financial, technology, capital, and the cluster effect. Competitiveness policy needs arise when one of the markets fails to function efficiently. The experience of East Asian countries in achieving the victory proved that the policy required a coherent and carefully both from the government and the company itself. In order for companies to succeed in international competition, then the measurement of competitiveness needs to be done. One method that can be used in measuring industrial competitiveness in the international area by looking at the competitiveness of industrial products is an international market. One method often used is the RCA (Revealed Comparative Advantage). Revealed Comparative Advantage Beginning of comparative advantage was pioneered by David Ricardos that had opposed the theory of absolute advantage by Adam Smith in The wealth of Nations. In the theory of comparative advantage, David Ricardo states that the country must produce and export goods and services that are relatively more productive than other countries and imports of goods and services that other countries are relatively more productive (Mahoney et al 1998). This theory refers to the productivity based on technological differences in each country. In the literature several techniques used to measure a nations competitiveness by using comparative advantage. There are a number of ways to examine the comparative advantage of the country. One common method is to determine just how special of a country in the production both through building Balassa index or revealed comparative advantage index. This check is good proportion of manufactured or exported, or the numbers working in each industry, compared with other countries. Revealed comparative advantage (RCA) was developed by Balassa (1965). RCA essentially measures normalized export shares, in connection with the same industrial exports in the reference state. RCA index used to determine the position of international competitiveness in terms of trade. RCA Approach, which was pioneered by Balassa, (1965, 1977, 1979 and 1986) have been widely used to test industrial excellence in exports in international market. RCA index is defined as the ratio of a countrys share in world exports of a given industry divided by the share of overall world trade. RCA is still a valid measure of comparative advantage in industries across the country. This is also true by definition still reflects the relative export performance in countries, industries and time and thus still useful for the analysis of the state. Several studies have been done using the concept of RCA by using export and import data. Balassa (1977) have performed an analysis of patterns of comparative advantage of industrialized countries for the period 1953-1971. This method has been used also by the scholar to know the position of industrial competitiveness in international markets such as UNIDO; 1986; World Bank; 1994, Aquino; 1981; Crafts and Thomas; 1986; van Hulst et al; 1991 and. Lim; 1997. The formula to measure a countrys revealed comparative advantage (RCA) is given by: xij / xj Index RCA = xiw / xw Explantation: Xij = value exports commodity i country j Xj = total value exports country j Xiw = value exports commodity i world Xw = total value exports world Several studies by using RCA method Table 2.1. Previous Research on Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) No. Researcher Tittle Conclusion 1.. (Utku Utkulu and Dilek Seymen (Turkey, 2004)). Revealed Comparative Advantage And Competitiveness: Evidence For Turkey Vis-À-Vis The Eu/15 All seven indices show that Turkey has revealed comparative advantages for seven of the 63 product groups: clothing and clothing accessories; vegetables and fruit; sugar, sugar preparations, honey; tobacco; oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; rubber manufactures; textile yarn, fabrics and related products. 2. (Amita Batra and Zeba Khan (India, 2005)) Revealed Comparative Advantage: An Analysis for India and China The analysis of the degree of competition reveals that there is no correlation between the manufacturing sectors of India and China in the global economy. 3. (Naseem Akhtar, Nadia Zakir and Ejaz Ghani) (2007) Changing Revealed Comparative Advantage: a case study of Footwear Industry of Pakistan The changing revealed comparative advantage in Pakistans footwear industry i.e., its shift from disadvantage situation to comparative advantage indicates that there is a potential in this sector for higher growth and the industry can become a source of higher exports earnings. 4. (Diarmaid Addison-Smyth in 2005) Irelands Revealed Comparative Advantage The researcher stated that that Ireland has a RCA in the food and beverages, chemicals and IT sectors. 5. (L. G. Burange and Sheetal J. Chaddha in 2008) Indias Revealed Comparative Advantage In Merchandise Trade Results suggest that India enjoys a comparative advantage in the exports of Ricardo and HO goods. The category of Other goods is also enhancing its presence on the list of items offering comparative advantage. All production of goods requiring standard technology is shifting to developing economies like India as reflected in the absence of RCA in imports of HO goods. Electronics Industry Electronics manufacturing is a commodity that is growing rapidly. In 2005, the global electronics industry has achieved the production of U.S. $ 1.338 trillion, the largest manufacturing industry in the world. The biggest share of world electronics industry is Asia Pacific for 36.8% and America by 25.54% followed by Europe and Japan at 21:35% 15:11%. While for the period 2002-2005 the growth rate, the worlds electronics industry is able to reach 8.2%(table 2.2). Today electronics industry seeks to make changes or moving from the high cost industry to the low cost industry. Based on data concerning the movement of high-cost industries to low cost in mind that manufacturing companies located the United States, Canada, Japan and the West have been migrated and set up their production plants in Asia Pacific countries. This is due to lower costs so that the opportunity to earn much higher profits of manufacturing profits (see figure 2.1). Migration to Low-Cost Locations Source: Reed Research, 2005 in Satiago (2007) Today, with rapid technological advances that have occurred shift segmentation of electronic product with a tendency to electronic networking in the Asia Pacific region including China amounted to 2 / 3 electronic products (see figure 2.2). Based on data on the automotive electronics segment have also been due to various electronic components and parts which have been widely used in automotive. The report said that current industrial electronics industry contributes about 30% of the cost of cars and is expected to rise continue in the future. In terms of market size of electronic components, from the figure 2.3 indicated that the major Asian countries contribute to 43%, excluding Japan 19%, bringing the total of Asia now contributes 62% of the total market and Western countries such as Americas and European) to contribute only 38%. Over the last few years, Asian countries also have penetrated Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) business in the world and are expected to reap 67% of the global EMS revenue in 2009. Electronics Components Market Source: European Electronic Components Manufacturers Association, 2005 in in Satiago (2007) Based on the trend growth rate of the primary and then the electronics industry can be divided into 4 parts electronics industry, namely (Santiago, 2007): Consumer Products: TV flat panel, high definition TVs, iPods, digital cameras and set top box. Communications products: 3G handset, TV reception on handsets, mobile services. Electronic Industry: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), green electronics, optical recognition Automotive electronics: products such as global positioning systems (GPS), hybrid cars and electronics for safety purposes. Electronic games for casinos. Indonesia Electronics Industry Indonesian electronics industry is one of strategic industries and important role in the Indonesian economy. The contribution of electronics industry in Indonesias manufacturing exports in 2005 reached 8%, the third largest non-oil exports in the industrial sector (figure 2.4). Share of the Electronics Exports of the Total Manufacturing Exports (in percentage) Period 2005-2009 Note: *) Period of January-October. Source: BPS (2010) Electronics industry in Indonesia is divided into 3 parts (Ministry of Industry, 2007), namely: Consumer electronics industry, which is a function of their use of electronic product is intended for household needs, such as radio, television, video cassette recorders, refrigerators, washing machines. Industrial electronics business / industry, ie electronics products that use the function intended for business or industrial needs such as computers, calculators, medical equipment. Industry electronics component that is part of an electronics product such as television tubes, integrated circuits, resistors, capacitor, motherboard. Of the three categories, consumer electronics industry is relatively developed industry in Indonesia because it uses technology that is easy to use machines like most in other manufacturing industries (eg, injection-molding machines, inserting machines, dipping machine, press machine, roll-formed steel equipment , machine tools, etc.). Another factor is technology that is relatively simple, so easy in the company relocating from principal to Indonesia. Industrial electronics industry has undergone significant developments supported by booming communications and telecommunications sectors. Weakest segment in the electronics industry is an industry component. Component industry is still underdeveloped compared to both other electronics industries. So the electronics industry is still a high dependence Indonesia with imported components. This is due in addition to limited local component industry also collided in terms of product innovation. The majority of the domestic component industry produces low-tech components, such as plastics, rubber, and metal parts, passive components, mechanical parts, such as speakers, transformers, heat sinks, cable connection, flyback transformer, and printed circuit board (PCB). When we compare in terms of number of firms, output, and work with other industries in Indonesia such as the textile industry, the electronics industry in Indonesia is relatively small. According to the survey of medium and large manufacturing firms conducted by the Central Bureau of Statistics, Industrial electronics assembly industry is still dominated by the level of innovation and simple modification and limited-production capabilities. Only a minority of companies have the ability to modify the basic, design, and engineering innovation. Viewed from the point of production structure, most electronics companies are very dependent on imported components from principal. Base on survey conducted by the Ministry of Trade in 2008 found that the Indonesian electronics industry is still concentrated in the regions of West Java and Banten, Riau Island, Jakarta and East Java with a percentage of the industry amounted to 59.70 percent, 17:14 percent, 12:05 percent, and 8:10 per from the above provinces such as in Central Java, DI. Yogyakarta and North Sumatra is still far smaller than the fourth region. Based on the data, the Indonesian electronics industry is still concentrated in only four regions. These conditions actually facilitate Indonesian to building facilities and infrastructure that can support Indonesias competitiveness in electronic products. Agglomeration Effects versus Policy Effects: The Case of the Electronics Industry in Malaysia In the present paper, we examined firms location choice within the Malaysian electronics industry, using a conditional logit model. We find that agglomeration and industrial estate have a positive effect on location choice. In particular, agglomeration has much larger effect on location-choice behavior by firms than any other factor. Although the government establishes industrial estates in underdeveloped areas to attract new investment, their effectiveness on location choice is very limited because of the lack of agglomeration effects. From these results, we draw the following two policy implications. First, establishing industrial estates is not an efficient strategy to overcome the regional inequality of industry in a developing country. Other policy tools should be considered for this purpose. Second, enlarging existing industrial estates and/or building new ones will be a good policy tool to attract firms to regions that already have plentiful firms. Dieter Ernst in 2004 Late Innovation Strategies in Electronics Industries: A Conceptual Framework and Illustrative Evidence This paper has developed some important conceptual building-blocks that we need to capture peculiar features of Asias late innovation strategies in the electronics industry. The paper has finding that Asian firms recently have been able to innovate in industries that involve highly complex technological knowledge, despite the fact that they continue to lag substantially behind advanced nations in the development of their RD and innovative capabilities. In addition to design implementation, this includes innovations in process technology for electronic components and in the design

Social And Cultural Aspects Of Thailand Cultural Studies Essay

Social And Cultural Aspects Of Thailand Cultural Studies Essay Historical background: Thailand has a wide variety of fauna and flora and boasts wide ethnic diversity as well. Thanks to its abundant resources and fertile land, it has attracted peoples of many countrys, who have settled and thrived here. The origin of the Thais is not agreed on amongst academics. Three decades ago it could be said with presumed certainty that the Thais originated in northwestern Szechuan in China about 4,500 years ago and later migrated south to their present homeland. However, this theory has been altered by the discovery of remarkable prehistoric artifacts in the village of Ban Chiang in the Nong Han District of Udon Thani Province in the Northeast of Thailand. These include evidence of bronze metallurgy dating back 3,500 years, as well as other indications of a culture far more sophisticated than previously believed by archaeologists. It now appears that Thais might have originated here in Thailand and later scattered to various parts of Asia, including some parts of China. Siam is the name by which the country was known to the world until 1939 and again between 1945 and 1949. On May 11, 1949, an official proclamation declared that the country would henceforth be known as Thailand. The word Thai means Free, and therefore Thailand means Land of the Free. The Monarchy: The words of the Thai Royal Anthem, performed at most official ceremonies and before the start of every movie, may strike a Western ear as somewhat archaic. After all, the system of absolute monarchy ended in 1932, following a revolution staged by a small group of disaffected civil servants and military men. Since then, Thai kings have ruled under a constitution; their powers theoretically no greater than those of European monarchs. Yet, since he was officially crowned in 1946, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has assumed the role of constitutional monarch and has worked tirelessly on behalf of his people, gaining a measure of personal devotion that is probably more intense than that felt for any of his all-powerful ancestors. It has been said that Their Majesties King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit are the hardest working royal couple in the world with a work load once estimated to be equal to at least one function every day of the year. Of the several institutions that form the foun dation of modern Thai life, the one His Majesty represents is not only the most visible but also the most revered. His Majesty has devoted himself to public service and made enduring contributions to Thailands development, initiating vital royally-suggested projects such as crop rotation, fish breeding, irrigation, natural watershed programs, dairy farming, reforestation, road building, and the establishment of self-help villages. His Majesty has traveled countrywide by helicopter, jeep, train, boat and on foot, often to the remotest corners of his Kingdom, in pursuit of his projects. He is held in high esteem nationwide for his profound interest in his peoples welfare. Her Majesty Queen Sirikit frequently accompanies His Majesty and shares a close interest in the welfare of rural Thais. Her Majesty has wholeheartedly helped establish foundations such as SUPPORT which assists Thailands rural population to produce and sell traditional craft products for supplementary income. The Thai monarchy is revered and regarded as the central, unifying element in the pillars of the nation. King Bhumibol was born on December 5, 1927, ascended the throne on June 9, 1946, and married Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on April 28, 1950. Their Majesties have four children; Their Royal Highnesses Princess Ubol Ratana, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, and Princess Chulabhorn. The Royal Couple are conscientiously assisted by their children, who frequently accompany them and represent Their Majesties at official functions and ceremonies. The Flag: Thailands national flag, ceremoniously raised each morning at 08.00 and lowered at 18.00 in every town and village. The flag is composed of five horizontal bands of red, white, and blue. Outer bands of red representing the nation enclose equal inner bands of white evoking religion. The blue band, occupying the central one-third of the total area, symbolizes the monarchy. The harmony of design expresses the complementary nature of these three pillars of the Thai nation. The tri-colored flag, first introduced by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) in 1917, replaced an earlier design which featured a white elephant on a red background. Public Hollidays: Most national holidays and festivals are of a religious nature and serve to evoke a sense of devotion to the monarchy, the religion, and the nation. Some are celebrated by the lunar calendar and thus vary in date from year to year, while others are celebrated according to the solar calendar. Bank Holidays for 2010 are: Thai culture and customs Informality and general friendliness in relationships of all age, economic and social groups characterize the Thai culture and people. Thai people are tolerant of almost all kinds of behaviour and never expect foreigners to understand the intricacies of Thai social customs. A Thai greeting In Thailand people do not normally say good morning, good afternoon, good evening or good night. They greet each other with the word Sawadee, and instead of shaking hands, they put their palms together in a prayer-like gesture and bow slightly. It is customary for the younger or lower in status to begin the greeting. When taking leave, the same word and procedure is repeated. This gesture is called a Wai. If you are greeted with a Wai you should reply with the same gesture, though it is not necessary to return a Wai to a child. Think of a Wai as you would a handshake. Initiate a Wai because of sincere pleasure at an introduction. You will not cause offence if you Wai inappropriately in Thailand, but you may create confusion. Dont return a Wai from waiting staff, drivers or other help. You might hope to strike a blow for equality, but will in fact cause embarrassment. A Wai to your teacher (any kind of teacher) is definately appropriate; any smiles you receive in return are of appreci ation. Sanuk means fun One of the first things you will notice when you visit Thailand is the Thai peoples inherent sense of playfulness and light heartedness. Sanuk is the Thai word for fun, and in Thailand anything worth doing, even work, should have some element of Sanuk. This doesnt mean Thai people dont want to work or strive. It is just that they live more in the moment, and do their best to enjoy it. The famous Thai smile stems partly from this desire to make Sanuk. The concept of saving face Thai people have a refined sense of public image and believe strongly in the concept of saving face. That is, they will go to great lengths to avoid confrontation and endeavour not to embarrass either themselves or other people (unless of course it is Sanuk to do so!). The ideal face saver does not bring up negative topics in conversation, or talk in an argumentative, judgemental or aggressive manner. Raising your voice or losing your temper will never be constructive in Thailand. It will result in loss of face for everyone involved, and you may be ignored as a result. You may notice Thai people smiling in the face of anothers misfortune. This is not a sign of callousness, but an attempt to save face for the person suffering misfortune. Saving face is the major source of the famous Thai smile. It is the best possible face to ease almost any situation. Social status in Thailand According to simple lines of social rank defined by age, wealth, and personal and political power all relationships in Thai society are governed by connections between Phu Yai (big people) and Phu Noi (little people). When meeting someone new a Thai person will automatically make an assessment regarding their Phu Yai or Phu Noi status. They may ask quite probing questions in order to place them. A set of mutual obligations requires Phu Noi to defer to Phu Yai through demonstrations of obedience and respect. In return Phu Yai are obligated to care for and offer assistance to Phu Noi they have regular contact with. Phu Noi may ask Phu Yai for favours such as financial help or assistance securing employment. It would cause Phu Yai some loss of face to refuse these favours. When eating out in restaurants, Phu Yai will normally settle the bill. Examples of automatic Phu Yai status include: adults over children, bosses over employees, elder classmates over younger classmates, elder sibling s over younger siblings, teachers over students, military over civilian, Thai over non-Thai. As a visitor to Thailand you may be assigned Phu Yai status as a sign of courtesy, stemming somewhat from assumptions regarding your wealth and education. Do not be offended by these assumptions. If you are lucky enough that Thai people hold you in high regard, take it as a compliment. Mai Pen Rai never mind Mai Pen Rai means never mind (or more literally its nothing). Symbolising Thailands unofficial national philosophy these three little words help to calm the heart of a nation. Mai Pen Rai enables the Thai people to retain their composure, keep smiling and be happy in everything they do. Thai people care little about trifling things. If they are frustrated, instead of getting angry they simply say Mai Pen Rai and solve the problem by some other means. Thai people believe strongly in avoiding confrontation, which is one of the reasons travel in Thailand is such a pleasure. To the Thais, foreigners over-worry, see trouble where there is none, and are constantly fretting over the future. When Thai people think about their future, they are optimistic. If they are not so happy now, they believe they are sure to be in their next life! Concept of time in Thailand The Mai Pen Rai philosophy is well demonstrated by the Thai concept of time. Estimates of time, in terms of the past or the future, can be vague or even wildly inaccurate in Thailand. Thais are often late for appointments, but nobody seems to mind waiting. Traffic jams are common, restaurant service, and hotel check-in procedures can seem slow and inefficient, but you wont see Thai people getting upset about it. In fact, most Thai people find it pathetic to see a person childishly expressing their irritation. Such behaviour will set you apart as someone less than properly evolved. The best thing to do is to relax and let things proceed at their natural pace. Trying to pin Thai people down about times will generally get you nowhere. If you must ask when will we be ready to leave? or when will this job be done? go ahead. But be prepared for an answer that proves wrong, not because of bad planning, but simply a different attitude towards time. Thai business customs In business circles some Thai people will have a reasonable command of English. However, most Thais do not feel comfortable speaking English. Address a Thai man or woman by their first name, not their surname, using the prefix Khun instead of Mr or Mrs. It is not considered informal or familiar to call Thais by their first name. Although Thai people appreciate punctuality when conducting business, there is a differentconceptHYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/culture.html#timesa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGM8gGK4onIOzD8qdDEh5sO7ma2LQ HYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/culture.html#timesa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGM8gGK4onIOzD8qdDEh5sO7ma2LQofHYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/culture.html#timesa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGM8gGK4onIOzD8qdDEh5sO7ma2LQ HYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/culture.html#timesa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGM8gGK4onIOzD8qdDEh5sO 7ma2LQtimeHYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/culture.html#timesa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGM8gGK4onIOzD8qdDEh5sO7ma2LQ HYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/culture.html#timesa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGM8gGK4onIOzD8qdDEh5sO7ma2LQinHYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/culture.html#timesa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGM8gGK4onIOzD8qdDEh5sO7ma2LQ HYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/culture.html#timesa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGM8gGK4onIOzD8qdDEh5sO7ma2LQThailand. Deadlines are often overlooked and it is necessary to allow for this when scheduling meetings. Dont contradict or criticise people in public. An essential tool for success in Thailand is patience. A person who lets inconveniences pass and forgives easily is respected. Dos and donts in Thailand Loud voices, calling attention to yourself, pointing at people or things, throwing or dropping things, and making big hand gestures all seem graceless to the Thai sensibility. Preferred modes of comportment are those that reflect the quiet, subtle and indirect as opposed to the loud, obvious and direct. Although the southernHYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Koh%20Phangan/people.htmlsa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNFO_U149i3qhoxZw4kCnw5vfMHhwQ HYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Koh%20Phangan/people.htmlsa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNFO_U149i3qhoxZw4kCnw5vfMHhwQThais can at times be alarmingly direct in their interactions with others. The monarchy remains highly respected throughout Thailand and visitors to the country must be respectful also. Avoid disparaging remarks or jokes about the royal family; they will not be appreciated. All Thai people love their king, HYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/monarchy.htmlsa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGHxdr0A9teNyRnx41X2lBm06yLSwHMHYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/monarchy.htmlsa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGHxdr0A9teNyRnx41X2lBm06yLSw HYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/monarchy.htmlsa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGHxdr0A9teNyRnx41X2lBm06yLSwKingHYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/monarchy.htmlsa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGHxdr0A9teNyRnx41X2lBm06yLSw HYPERLINK http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.horizonmuaythai.com/Thailand/monarchy.htmlsa=Dsntz=1usg=AFQjCNGHxdr0A9teNyRnx41X2lBm06yLSwBhumibol; if you want to know why, ask them politely. Public displays of sexual affection are not acceptable in Thailand, although this may be changing with the younger generation in some areas. Thai people are extremely offended by public nudity, along with just about everyone else in the world. Thai people are modest in this respect and it should not be the visitors intention to reform them. A polite man in Thailand will not touch a woman. The feet in Thailand are considered spiritually as well as physically the lowest part of the body. Dont step over peoples legs, even in a crowded place such as on a train; wait politely for them to move out of the way. Do not point things out or pick things up with your feet. And do not wave your feet around peoples heads! If you accidentally touch someone with your foot, apologise. Food in Thailand is often eaten on the floor. Stepping over food is really a bad thing in Thailand. Shoes are not worn inside peoples houses, or in some guest houses and shops. If you are not sure watch other people. A pile of shoes at the entrance is your clue to remove yours (socks are OK). To Thai people wearing shoes indoors is disgusting. Show respect for religious symbols and rituals, and avoid touching spirit houses and household alters. Thai people, particularly those in rural areas, can be highly superstitious and may feel the need for lengthy ritual should you contaminate their sacred areas. Do not stare at Thai people. They may be smiling, but still do not look into their eyes too long. Particularly in rural areas young and old may react violently to such a gesture, which is considered a rude insult. During normal conversation most Thai people do not look directly at one another, and will avoid anything but the briefest eye-to-eye contact. Phu Nawy (little people) often keep their head bowed when conversing with Phu Yai(big people) as a sign of respect. As a foreigner it can be hard to know if you have a persons attention. And it is difficult to hear what people are saying if they speak with their back to you. Laundry and bathing Modest dress and a clean, neat appearance will create a very good impression in Thailand. Keep up with your laundry and you will receive better treatment everywhere. Most Thai people bathe in cold water. This is not a problem, as it is almost always hot enough for you to feel the need to cool down. Most Thais shower and put on fresh clothes at least twice a day. You will be more comfortable and sleep more soundly in the hot and humid climate if you do likewise. Many washrooms in Thailand do not have showerheads fitted to the wall. There is a cement trough or other kind of water reservoir provided for use. A plastic or metal bowl is used to sluice water over the body. This water is meant for cleaning and should remain clean for other peoples use. Do not contaminate this water. And do not climb into the reservoir in order to bathe! In rural areas many Thai people still use rivers and streams, or will bathe from an outdoor reservoir at home. When bathing in view of others men wear underpants. Women should wear a Pha Sing (cotton wraparound). Nude bathing in public view is not acceptable. In Thailand the squat toilet is the norm except in hotels and guesthouses geared towards foreigners. If you have never used one before it may take a bit of getting used to. Contrary to what some people seem to think, these are flushing toilets. They are flushed in the same way as western toilets, i.e. by dropping water through the hole. The difference from Western-style toilets being, you must scoop water with a bowl from a nearby reservoir and drop water through yourself, rather than release water from a tank using a lever. You can chuck water all over the place in a Thai toilet, so when you are finished it is a good idea to rinse the floor of any sand or mud you may have brought in on your feet. Thai people do not normally use toilet paper, prefering to rinse themselves thoroughly with soap and water. If you absolutely must use paper dont drop it down the toilet. Place it in the bin provided. If there is no bin provided, find another facility. Plumbing in Thailand simply isnt desig ned to handle paper, and in most places you will cause a great deal of inconvenience if you drop anything other than your natural waste through the toilet.